But For the Trees

Although the footprint would remain the same with the property eventually offering more than 7,000 square-feet of living space, some tricky maneuvers would be required to create the ultimate outdoor personal paradise the couple was envisioning.

In addition to a variety of sumptuous, mature trees, such as 100-year-old oaks, a majestic magnolia, and a weeping willow—a huge selling point for the homeowner—the property came complete with a pergola that was hosting a wondrous winding Wisteria vine robust with purple flowering blooms. It unfortunately, would need to be moved some eight feet south, according to the homeowner, to accommodate where some new foundation would need to be located.

According to the homeowner, an avid gardener, there were some really shaky moments associated with relocating the vine around the new pergola.

“When they first moved it, all the leaves dropped off and we thought, ‘Oh, no’, but then two weeks later, we saw sprouts again, and within two to three months, it was totally covered [with blooms] again,” he says.

With the re-bloomed pergola now in place, the homeowners could focus their attention on the exterior landscape and more specifically, visually integrating the pathways between the main house, the guest cottage, the pool house, and the outdoor living area.

To do this, the couple again turned to the versatility of brick to pull together the transitioning spaces by using a system of walkways installed by Edgewater’s Landscape Design Center.

Thoughtful use of the acre-and-a half-lot, that includes a pier where the couple can dock their boat, was critically important so those gorgeous trees could take center stage and the homeowner could flex his gardening muscles, as well.

As it stands today, the property has now cashed in on that all-important potential, and has become every bit the airy, stately, peaceful family homestead that the couple imagined.

“I think stately is a good word because of the trees,” remarked the homeowner. “They make you feel like this place has been here forever.